Object Number 1959.2634

Object Name

Whimsey (Jacob's ladder ornament)

Category

Glass

Credit Line/Donor

Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont

Place of Origin

Possibly Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Origin Notes

Origin is probable. See Notes.

Date

1850-1900

Subjects

Archaeological evidence for similar (America)

Materials

Glass

Techniques

Drawn, Molded

Dimensions (inches)

27 (H)

Dimensions (centimeters)

68.58 (H)

Measurement Notes

Height measurement is approximate.

Object Description

Web - 06/03/2014

Sometimes known as a Jacob's Ladder, this whimsical object was created by drawing out a long, tapering thread of glass into a series of rising, right-angle-cornered steps. The pinnacle (top) of the object is finished with a spherical knop. Although this example is in pale green glass, Jacob's ladders also were made in many different colors, as evidenced by archaeological evidence from the Philadelphia area. Possible manufacturers there include the Dyottville Glassworks and the Union Glassworks, though similar forms also are likely to have been produced elsewhere.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Palmer, Arlene. 1993 Glass in Early America: Selections from the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum. 425 pp.
• Published: p. 403, no. 423